Dex/merc in Primary
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Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 73
Likes: 9
From: Northern Michigan
Dex/merc in Primary
Picking a primary oil, and theres just so many opinions.
I don't want notin fancy
Dex/Merc ATF is easily available in my area, Type F isn't.
I have Dex/Merc by the gallon for my trucks.
Anyone have a good reason NOT to use Dex/Merc?
I don't want notin fancy
Dex/Merc ATF is easily available in my area, Type F isn't.
I have Dex/Merc by the gallon for my trucks.
Anyone have a good reason NOT to use Dex/Merc?
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 472
Likes: 59
From: farmington ny
Most people running ATF in there primary have upgraded primarys / clutch and the manufacturer requires ATF. For stock primarys you will be much better suited using a primary specific oil or any oil that's wet clutch compatible. One thing is for certain , pick a good oil and stick with it. Wet clutches do not like different oils thrown at them in a short period of time.
Last edited by 1340hog; May 11, 2019 at 05:47 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,673
Likes: 606
From:
in my 85 I have used. Harley primary oil, 10w30 motor oil, 10w40 motor oil, 20w50 harley motor oil, 20w50 "racing oil" from my local farm store, and ATF type f. to tell you the truth I couldn't tell the difference in any of them. the 85 is over 100k and I still have all the original clutch and primary parts in there. basically, all the oil does is lube the chain.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 632
Likes: 86
Many threads exist regarding ATF in the primary. Some advocate it, some warn against it.
I have been using Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF in my 2012 primary for about 12k miles now. I have experienced no problems with it and I love the way the bike shifts with it.
A caution voiced by some is the risk of the ATF not being "heavy enough" to adequately lubricate the sometimes problematic engine sprocket shock compensator assembly inside the primary. So far, I have been okay.
My bike was a low-mileage 96-inch Super Glide Custom that I upgraded with a pair of stock H-D flat-top 103 HO pistons and cylinder boring. I milled the heads slightly, dropped in a pair of SE204 cams, attached a V&H Upsweep exhaust and topped everything off with a V&H FP3 tuner.
The result was a vastly more powerful engine that caused my stock clutch to slip under the more robust acceleration that resulted. After research, I installed an Alto Carbonite extra-plate clutch and retained my stock light-pull clutch spring. That's when I began using the Mobil 1 ATF.
I have no more clutch slippage. The bike runs like a scalded dog and shifts very nicely. The clutch release and take-up is fantastic. The Alto plates and the light springs really create a great feel.
.
I have been using Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF in my 2012 primary for about 12k miles now. I have experienced no problems with it and I love the way the bike shifts with it.
A caution voiced by some is the risk of the ATF not being "heavy enough" to adequately lubricate the sometimes problematic engine sprocket shock compensator assembly inside the primary. So far, I have been okay.
My bike was a low-mileage 96-inch Super Glide Custom that I upgraded with a pair of stock H-D flat-top 103 HO pistons and cylinder boring. I milled the heads slightly, dropped in a pair of SE204 cams, attached a V&H Upsweep exhaust and topped everything off with a V&H FP3 tuner.
The result was a vastly more powerful engine that caused my stock clutch to slip under the more robust acceleration that resulted. After research, I installed an Alto Carbonite extra-plate clutch and retained my stock light-pull clutch spring. That's when I began using the Mobil 1 ATF.
I have no more clutch slippage. The bike runs like a scalded dog and shifts very nicely. The clutch release and take-up is fantastic. The Alto plates and the light springs really create a great feel.
.
Last edited by leafman60; May 12, 2019 at 06:46 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 1,007
i stick with factory, after all they did all the R&D.
when it comes to atf, there is a new sheriff in town and the fluid is designed for chain/belt drives and that is "CVT" fluid, more expensive than atf.
when it comes to atf, there is a new sheriff in town and the fluid is designed for chain/belt drives and that is "CVT" fluid, more expensive than atf.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 307
From: mid Michigan
I like to use amsoil ATF mixed with amsoil primary.i think ATF alone is to thin. I've tried a few and I always go back to this as being the best for wear and feel. To me the primary is the only one u can tell a difference in what is run in it.
Last edited by xcbullet; May 12, 2019 at 10:48 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 783
Likes: 179
From: Bay Area
Your clutch dictates the fluid in your primary. If you are running all stock put something basic in there that Harley recommends. If you are running an aftermarket clutch or clutch plates then run what they say. I run Rivera Primo Pro clutches and always use Type F, but don't just randomly throw different fluids in there if your set up is not calling for it haha
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,183
Likes: 12,762
From: South Carolina
Primary drive systems are not all the same, in years past (4 and 5 speed) ATF was used by many, including me, with no problems.
Since the new compensator system came about, with it`s sometimes problematic wear problem on the ramps, ATF may not be the best choice...
I`m using Formula+ in my 6 speed bike, the old `89 Softail gets 20w50 motor oil.
Since the new compensator system came about, with it`s sometimes problematic wear problem on the ramps, ATF may not be the best choice...
I`m using Formula+ in my 6 speed bike, the old `89 Softail gets 20w50 motor oil.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 651
Likes: 72
From: Harleysville, PA
Many threads exist regarding ATF in the primary. Some advocate it, some warn against it.
I have been using Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF in my 2012 primary for about 12k miles now. I have experienced no problems with it and I love the way the bike shifts with it.
A caution voiced by some is the risk of the ATF not being "heavy enough" to adequately lubricate the sometimes problematic engine sprocket shock compensator assembly inside the primary. So far, I have been okay.
My bike was a low-mileage 96-inch Super Glide Custom that I upgraded with a pair of stock H-D flat-top 103 HO pistons and cylinder boring. I milled the heads slightly, dropped in a pair of SE204 cams, attached a V&H Upsweep exhaust and topped everything off with a V&H FP3 tuner.
The result was a vastly more powerful engine that caused my stock clutch to slip under the more robust acceleration that resulted. After research, I installed an Alto Carbonite extra-plate clutch and retained my stock light-pull clutch spring. That's when I began using the Mobil 1 ATF.
I have no more clutch slippage. The bike runs like a scalded dog and shifts very nicely. The clutch release and take-up is fantastic. The Alto plates and the light springs really create a great feel.
.
I have been using Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF in my 2012 primary for about 12k miles now. I have experienced no problems with it and I love the way the bike shifts with it.
A caution voiced by some is the risk of the ATF not being "heavy enough" to adequately lubricate the sometimes problematic engine sprocket shock compensator assembly inside the primary. So far, I have been okay.
My bike was a low-mileage 96-inch Super Glide Custom that I upgraded with a pair of stock H-D flat-top 103 HO pistons and cylinder boring. I milled the heads slightly, dropped in a pair of SE204 cams, attached a V&H Upsweep exhaust and topped everything off with a V&H FP3 tuner.
The result was a vastly more powerful engine that caused my stock clutch to slip under the more robust acceleration that resulted. After research, I installed an Alto Carbonite extra-plate clutch and retained my stock light-pull clutch spring. That's when I began using the Mobil 1 ATF.
I have no more clutch slippage. The bike runs like a scalded dog and shifts very nicely. The clutch release and take-up is fantastic. The Alto plates and the light springs really create a great feel.
.
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